Hiking Wendover Ridge & Biking the Lolo Trail

Wendover Ridge is a pivotal point in the journey across the rugged Bitterroot mountains. With their Shoshone guide Old Toby, the expedition was looking for the ancient trail used by the Nez Perce traveling east to the Buffalo and the Salish traveling west to the Salmon of the Lochsa River. Instead of staying high on the ridgelines at Lolo Pass, they mistakenly followed a fishing trail to the Kooskooskee (Lochsa River) which means rough water in Nez Perce. After a cold night along the banks of the Lochsa River, Lewis & Clark awoke to the realization that they needed to climb up and out of the river canyon to the ridgelines above. We begin our 3-day Lolo Trail trips with the Wendover Ridge. An advanced hike, the trail follows the ridgeline with very few switchbacks for 8 miles. It climbs approximately 3500 vertical feet from the Lochsa River to Snowbank Camp. This trail is rugged and challenging, an incredible experience. This trip does not require any specific training or climbing experience but we recommend you are in good health, have previous hiking experience, comfortable hiking boots and the desire and determination to reach the top!

We offer an alternate hike this day for those in your group who may not be up for Wendover Ridge, this includes stops at Glade Creek, Colt Killed Creek, 13-mile camp, Upper section of Wendover Ridge. Both groups meet at Snowbank camp to share their stories of the day.

"On leaving this spring this road continues as bad as it was below, and the timber more abundant. At four miles we reached the top of the mountain; foreseeing no chance of meeting with water, we camped on the northern side of this mountain, near and old bank of snow three feet deep…."

William Clark
September 15, 1805 Snowbank Camp

Wayne at Snowbank camp June 15, 2002 (right) Read about this epic trip in Time Magazine July 8, 2002 Issue

Bring your adventure to life with living history!
A special appearance, along the Lewis & Clark Trail, of Capt Clark allows you to meet the co-leader face to face, and listen to his stories and thoughtful recollections around the campfire.

Meet Ritchie Doyle... actor, writer, songster. He blends the past with modern humor. Surprise others in your group when Capt. Clark mysteriously appears out of the forest! According to our customers this has been a highlight of their Lolo Trail experience.

Call us for details. ritchie@bigsky.net

Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Traveling Trunk Presentation. Dry Camp Sept. 18, 2002:

Retrace the only overland portion of the Lewis & Clark Expedition on your bike!
Our 3-Day bike tour follows the Lolo Trail through the Clearwater National Forest. The 75-mile tour is van supported and split up into three manageable sections.

Day 1:
Our trek begins with a shuttle 3500 ft above the Lochsa River to Lewis & Clark's 13-Mile Camp at 6000 ft. Here we will join the National Historic Trail heading west. Today we will bicycle to the lowest and then to the highest elevation on the tour. The 2000 ft elevation gain is spread out over nine miles.
Day One Total -25 Miles

Day 2:
We begin day two with a 4 mile downhill ride to Devil's Chair rock formation. From there we bike to the trailhead of the Sinque Hole Camp-Smoking Place hike. We'll shuttle your bikes 3 miles and have lunch waiting after your hike. We finish the afternoon with a 10 mile rolling ridge ride to Dry Camp. For the Lewis & Clark enthusiast, talking around the campfire at the same location as the expedition is a once in lifetime experience. On the Lolo Trail you will enjoy the solitude like no other place on the entire Trail.
Day Two Total--20 Miles

Day 3:
The easiest riding has been saved for the last day. We will ride through flat and down-hill sections of an old growth cedar forest. We will also visit Spirit Revival Ridge, and Rocky Ridge Lake. The tour will end at Canyon Junction. From here we shuttle back to the Lochsa Lodge.
Day Three Total--30 Miles

Total Tour Distance--75 Miles

Terrain Breakdown:
20% Uphill, 20% Flat, 30% Rolling and 30% Downhill
Trips Depart every Friday in July & August, September dates are open, Groups of 4 or more can book days other than Friday. Our Lolo Trail hiking trips also depart on Fridays, hiking or biking trip dates are determined by the first to reserve a date.

2009 Schedule
Lolo Trail trips depart Thursdays beginning in Mid-July - August, snow pack usually inhibits travel until July
Hiking or biking trips will be determined by groups and dates, call us toll-free for current schedules
One Day trips can be planned any day with at least 4 people.
September 15-19 Lewis & Clark Commemorative Trek Itinerary
Dates coincide with Monday Missouri River Canoe trip departures.

* Prices do not include Idaho Sales tax (5%)

Trip provisions:
Guided hiking, walking, biking or van touring and camping with historical interpretations
Camping equipment-2-person Eureka tents, deluxe self-inflating sleeping pads, camp chair and coffee mug
Transportation on the Lolo Trail
All trips depart from the Lochsa Lodge, located 50 miles west of Missoula, MT on Hwy 12
All meals starting with day-1 lunch and ending with day-3 lunch. Gourmet camp cuisine. Sample Menu
See recommended gear list, reading & lodging for what to bring.

Pre-trip meetings & Pick-ups:
Lolo Trail pre-trip meetings vary based on group. If you are coming from Missouri River Canoe trip, we ask you arrange to stop by our Missoula headquarters before heading to Lochsa Lodge. Call to confirm trip meeting time.

Call us 72-48 hours prior to departure to confirm pre-trip meeting time and location.

Getting there & away